Nigeria and Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface has been handed a one-game suspension and a €25,000 fine after being found guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct during his team’s recent Super Cup match against VfB Stuttgart, MySportDab Reports.
The German Football Association (DFB) announced the decision on Wednesday, following an investigation into an incident that occurred immediately after the final whistle of the match.
The DFB sports court issued a statement confirming that Boniface will be banned from participating in one DFB Cup match as part of his punishment for “blatantly anti-sporting conduct.” The 23-year-old forward was charged after allegedly making an obscene gesture—raising his middle finger—towards Stuttgart players during the post-match celebrations.
The incident, which sparked immediate controversy, was not witnessed by the match referee, Tobias Stieler, who confirmed that he did not see the gesture at the time. However, the DFB Control Committee pursued an investigation after Stuttgart players accused Boniface of the offensive act, leading to tensions on the pitch.
Despite the absence of TV footage or concrete evidence, the committee deemed the accusations credible enough to impose the suspension and fine.
Boniface’s actions have marred what was otherwise a celebratory moment for Bayer Leverkusen, who secured victory in the Super Cup. The Nigerian international’s rising reputation in Germany, highlighted by his recent accolade as Rookie of the Year after a stellar debut season, has been somewhat overshadowed by this disciplinary issue.
Last season, Boniface played a crucial role in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga triumph, earning widespread praise for his performances. His success on the pitch has made him a key figure in the team, and his actions during the Super Cup have drawn significant attention.
Both Boniface and Bayer Leverkusen have accepted the DFB’s verdict, making the suspension and fine legally binding. The club has expressed its support for Boniface as he looks to move past the incident and focus on the upcoming season.
The suspension means Boniface will miss Bayer Leverkusen’s DFB Cup match, but he will be available for their Bundesliga opener. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship in football, even in moments of high emotion and victory.
Boniface’s ability to bounce back from this setback will be closely watched, as he continues to develop his career in Germany. With the new season ahead, both the player and the club will be eager to put this controversy behind them and focus on their ambitions for the year.
